Former Minister José Luis Ábalos to Testify on Koldo Case Amid Controversy

On January 8, the investigation commission regarding the Koldo case is set to hear from former minister José Luis Ábalos, who is currently in preventive detention. This key development was disclosed by PP spokesperson Alicia García during a Senate press conference following a meeting of the Koldo case's Commissions Bureau. She stated, "Ábalos is not a secondary actor; he is Sánchez's jack of all trades and holds the key to the safe of sanchismo's secrets. We want him to appear in the Senate and open it wide before all Spaniards." Ábalos has been incarcerated since November 27 following a ruling from Supreme Court magistrate Leopoldo Puente, who mandated his detention due to the significant risk of flight. His upcoming appearance comes ahead of a scheduled Supreme Court hearing on January 15, where his appeal against provisional imprisonment will be examined. Previous instances of imprisoned individuals testifying before parliamentary commissions, such as the case of convicted terrorist Mohamed Houli Chemlal in February 2025, adds complexity to the situation. The PP is pushing Ábalos to either cooperate and disclose crucial information or continue to protect Prime Minister Sánchez. García proclaimed, "Spaniards celebrate something else: the end of a cycle, the end of sanchismo." There are looming questions regarding Sánchez's candidacy financing during the primaries and alleged irregularities that need addressing. García's challenge to Ábalos reflects broader frustrations aimed at the current government, urging transparency concerning past political dealings that may have involved Otegi, the PNV, and others. Moreover, the Popular Party seeks to add former Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to the list of witnesses in the investigation. García highlighted Zapatero's pivotal role in establishing sanchismo and demanded answers regarding a potential leak during a meeting with a Plus Ultra executive, although no date has been set for his testimony. A forensic report commissioned by the PSOE seemingly clears Ábalos of illegal financing but indicates significant expenditures, further complicating his legal predicament. As the investigation unfolds and January approaches, the political ramifications of the Koldo case will likely dominate discourse, holding potential implications for the future of Sánchez's administration. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2